James Stillwell is an associate clinical professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy and faculty director of the Do Good Campus at the Do Good Institute. With a campus-wide focus, Stillwell provides leadership and instruction for the expansion of Do Good curriculum and co-curricular partnerships throughout the University of Maryland, including the Do Good Campus Strategic Leadership Council, the Do Good Campus Fund grants program, and other Do Good ventures and projects.
A seasoned educator, relationship builder and lifelong Terp, Stillwell brings over a decade of experience advancing equity, experiential learning and collaborative impact across sectors and scales. Stillwell's return to College Park follows a four-year stint in Toronto, where he worked at the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society advancing international ocean and forest conservation through multi-stakeholder partnerships of up to $4.7 million and 20+ organizational partners, while also spearheading a major expansion of CPAWS National's diversity, equity, inclusion and justice initiatives.
Immediately prior, Stillwell worked with School of Public Policy's Dean Robert Orr, Nathan Hultman, and faculty and staff across campus to launch and grow the Center for Global Sustainability and to organize the United Nations-cohosted Climate Action 2016 summit. He has also worked with Nina Harris and Jen Littlefield on the Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellows Program and the College Park Scholars Public Leadership Program, including the development and teaching of many courses on applied civic engagement and ethical leadership.
Stillwell currently serves as community development co-director for Harvard Alumni for Climate and the Environment while co-developing the grants program for the new Washington, DC-based nonprofit Rising Organizers as well as mentoring undergraduates and alumni for careers in social and environmental impact. Himself a Rising Organizers fellowship alum and Climate Reality Leader, Stillwell continues to expand his own knowledge and capacity in nonprofit leadership, management, collaboration and inclusivity.
James holds master’s degrees in environmental policy and sustainable development from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from Harvard University. A proud gay man and bilingual Francophone with roots in the Chesapeake Bay region and Canada, in his spare time Stillwell can be found on stage, in the kitchen, at a volleyball match, out in nature, or traveling with friends old and new to places far and wide. He is thrilled and inspired daily to serve his beloved alma mater – and the many outstanding students, faculty and staff who call it home – by reimagining experiential and impact learning here at College Park.
